Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended an important MoU signing ceremony between Kolkata based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg here today. The MoU paves the way for India to build it first ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV) indigenously.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India’s unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy—a legacy of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this MoU is a commitment to fostering scientific discovery, advancing India’s capabilities in polar and ocean research, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing challenges like climate change. The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling our researchers to explore the oceans’ depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet’s past, present, and future. This will be a testament of India’s critical shipbuilding capabilities — boosting further ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government. I congratulate all stakeholders for their dedication and look forward to the day when this Polar Research Vessel sets sail, carrying India’s aspirations to the farthest reaches of the globe.”

The MoU between GRSE and Knogsberg marks an important milestone for India’s shipbuilding sector as it will receive design expertise for developing the PRV, while taking into account the requirement of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR), who will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms. GRSE, with its rich experience of constructing complex maritime platforms like warships, survey & research vessels, will build this PRV in its yard in Kolkata, ensuring a boost to Government’s ‘Make In India’ initiative. The leadership of Kongsberg as well as GRSE joined the Union Minister, senior government officials from Norway and India at the event.

Sonowal Reaffirms India’s MAHASAGAR Vision at Shipping & Ocean Business Meet

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also represented India in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on the ‘Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future.’ The meet emphasised the need of the industry to align towards a stable, longterm regulatory environment supporting an inclusive and decarbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China, and Norway joined Shri Sonowal at the meet.

Speaking at the meet, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji announced India’s vision of "Growth for All," articulated as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The overarching aim of this vision leverages on India's vast coastline, strategic location, and maritime heritage to drive economic prosperity, enhance regional security, and ensure sustainable development for all stakeholders. This entails economic cooperation, capacity building, disaster management, information sharing and environmental stewardship. Upgrading from SAGAR initiative, India’s PM Narendra Modi ji announced MAHASAGAR — which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, signalling further consolidation and an expanded approach to holistic maritime engagement & growth.”

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal further added, “Building on the success of the initial phase, Sagarmala 2.0 programme of my Ministry, focuses on bridging critical infrastructure gaps, boosting shipbuilding, ship repair, and recycling, and positioning India as a global maritime leader. Indian government's outlook on Shipping and Ocean Business is to promote mutual and holistic growth, through robust international cooperation, and a strong commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.”

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Holds Roundtable with Norwegian Shipowners, Invites Investment in India’s Maritime Sector

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal invited Norwegian shipowners to invest in India’s growing maritime sector during a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) here today. Thanking NSA President, Harald Fotland for hosting the dialogue, Shri Sonowal highlighted India and Norway’s shared values of sustainability, innovation, and mutual growth.
“India’s maritime sector is on a transformative path, driven by sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships. We invite greater collaboration with Norway to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem. With major investments in green ports, alternative fuels like green hydrogen, and strategic incentives, India aims to become a global leader in shipbuilding. Our growing partnership with Norway — reflected in Indian shipyards delivering next-gen vessels to Norwegian firms — showcases India's emergence as a trusted, future-ready hub for cost-effective and sustainable maritime solutions. Let’s strengthen this momentum together,” the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said.

During the meeting, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted key areas for India-Norway maritime collaboration. He said that Indian shipyards currently hold 11% of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA)’s order book. He urged for further expansion of orders, including leveraging India’s ship-breaking credit note scheme. Emphasising India’s robust seafaring workforce—ranked second in NSA’s global fleet—he called for broader recruitment partnerships. He also underlined the significant investment opportunities available under India’s flagship Sagarmala programme and the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, offering incentives across shipbuilding, ports, and logistics. The Union Minister stressed India’s commitment to innovation through digital platforms like ONOP and MAITRI and invited Norway’s cooperation in green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and IMO-aligned net-zero goals, noting that 87% of Indian recycling yards are now HKC compliant.

The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is on a five day official visit to Norway to participate in Nor-Shipping event as well as to Denmark, with a main aim to further strengthen the maritime relationship with the leaders of the Global Maritime sector.

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GDH/HR

Polar Press Release